WH responds to Russia overture

BRUSSELS -- We reported that Moscow sent a message to Washington yesterday that Russia President Medvedev is interested in a broad agreement with the Obama administration on the major disputed issues between Russia and the U.S. -- including missile defense and Iran.

Because of this signal from Moscow, the White House has rushed a diplomat here on no notice to try to hammer out some basic principles for further discussion that would be announced in London.

*** UPDATE *** They will not agree on missile defense, but are discussing progress the two presidents will announce tomrrow on a range of other subjects -- Iran, economic issues, terrorism, regional issues, Afghanistan.